GCEO Ojulari has comfirmed that NNPC is under attack, but transformation will continue.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has revealed that the company is facing coordinated attacks from individuals and groups opposing its ongoing transformation agenda.
Ojulari made the disclosure on Thursday while hosting a delegation from the national leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at NNPC Towers in Abuja.
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“We are under attack. We will not budge to short-term pressure, as it will not be in the best interest of Nigerians. You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough,” Ojulari said.
Commitment to Transformation and National Interest
The NNPC boss emphasized that the company remains focused on its mandate despite the challenges. He reassured Nigerians that the reforms being implemented are designed to benefit the country in the long term.
“Patience will be required from the Nigerian people to get to the other side of change, which will benefit the country and its citizens. I am committed to staying focused on the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.
Ojulari further assured union leaders that the management team would continue to prioritize resilience and stability in the face of opposition.
“I am overwhelmed with the support from the union executives present here. The enemies of this company and Nigerians will not win,” he said.
Focus on Reviving Nigeria’s Refineries
Since assuming office five months ago, Ojulari highlighted that his administration has prioritized the revival of Nigeria’s refineries. He noted that the company is exploring the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model to ensure sustainability and profitability.
“Mr. President doesn’t pressure me to do the wrong thing. That is why we are going back to the baseline to ensure whatever we are doing, the refineries work sustainably going forward. We don’t want to pretend and just do a quick fix because there is pressure on us,” he explained.
PENGASSAN Pledges Support
PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, commended NNPC management for its collaboration during the 2025 PENGASSAN Energy & Labour Summit (PEALS) in Abuja. He highlighted the progress made under Ojulari’s leadership, particularly in tackling crude oil theft and improving production.
“Our pipelines are now working. Crude oil theft has significantly reduced, leading to increased production. As PENGASSAN, we assure you that we are solidly behind you. We will work with you and collaborate with your team to ensure the stability of the system for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Osifo said.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting NNPC management in ensuring sustainable progress in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Petrobras Explores Opportunities in Nigeria
Earlier, NNPC Ltd. announced that Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil company, is exploring new opportunities in Nigeria’s upstream sector, with a focus on deepwater and ultra-deepwater projects.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, NNPC Ltd. said its Executive Vice-President for Upstream, Udy Ntia, met with Petrobras CEO Magda Chambriard during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.
